(Holy Spirit Catholic School Division)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge’s school divisions to begin COVID rapid testing program

Apr 10, 2021 | 2:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Both the Lethbridge School Division and Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will have new abilities to screen for COVID-19.

In the coming weeks, the provincial government will distribute 440,000 rapid test kits to schools in eight divisions.

Testing will be offered to up to 220,000 students and staff across the province.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says junior and senior high schools in select communities will be prioritized based on a variety of factors including the prevalence of the virus in schools and the community.

“I am pleased to significantly expand on our successful rapid testing pilot in schools to more students and staff in more communities. Rapid test screening is one more tool to limit the spread of the virus in schools and ensure students can keep learning safely from the classroom.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Eight school boards in Alberta will take part in the expanded testing program including both divisions in Lethbridge. No others in Southern Alberta are partaking.

The exact number of schools where testing is offered may vary each week depending on the size of the school and the time to administer the tests.

“We are stepping up our fight against COVID-19 by expanding the rapid testing program in Alberta schools to ensure students, teachers, and staff remain safe,” says Premier Jason Kenney. “Rapid testing in schools offers another layer of protection to our schools.”

According to the province, rapid screening tests may potentially detect the virus quickly in people who don’t have symptoms, allowing them to immediately self-isolate.